Short birdwatching visit · Isle of Wight Council
Dodnor Creek and Dicksons Copse
- Tier
- Good stop nearby
- Best season
- Summer for Swallow and Swift; autumn and winter for Water Rail
- Headline birds
- Water Rail
- Parking
- Some parking is available at the riverside picnic site on Newport’s northern edge.
- Hides
- Not stated by the operator
- Step-free
- Not stated by the operator
North of Newport, Medina estuary
Dodnor Creek combines an old millpond and reed-fringed brackish inlet with the neighbouring woodland of Dicksons Copse. The Cowes–Newport cycleway and riverside footpath provide public views without needing to enter the wettest ground. In midsummer the council describes Swallows and Swifts feeding over the water; autumn and winter bring the chance of hearing Water Rail in the reeds. The adjoining copse adds a woodland walk to a short creek watch. There is no vehicular access to the reserve, so allow for the approach on foot or by cycle from Newport.
Birds and seasons
- Water Rail · Headline bird — Autumn and winter Source for Water Rail
- Swallow — Summer Source for Swallow
- Swift — Summer Source for Swift
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Paths
- A circular path starts through a kissing gate north of the creek; stretches can be wet and muddy.
- Toilets
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Parking
- Some parking is available at the riverside picnic site on Newport’s northern edge.
- Dogs
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Access notes
- The council marks uneven paths and slopes; the cycleway offers an alternative viewing line.
- Step-free access
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
Getting there: Approach along cycleway 23 or estuary footpath N30. The reserve lies roughly a mile north of Newport; use the cycleway viaduct or riverside path as public viewing points.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Nearby special trips
- Brading Marshes · 7.2 straight-line miles
- Ventnor Downs · 9.0 straight-line miles
- St Catherine’s Point · 9.8 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, 7.0 miles away in a straight line.
- Newtown National Nature Reserve · 5.0 miles in a straight line
- Brading Marshes · 7.2 miles in a straight line
- Ventnor Downs · 9.0 miles in a straight line